As we got closer to the cliffs, it became apparent that the long cold hike across the ice was going to be well worth the effort.  A few years ago we hiked the summer trails on the cliffs above.  The lake below was turbulent with wave action.  The base of the cliff is unapproachable except in the winter when the lake is frozen.  On average the south shore of Lake Superior only freezes solid enough one out of every five years to give access to the cliffs and ice caves.